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Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) MCQs

Practice Set 23 of 23

This practice set contains high-yield board review questions covering key concepts in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Each clinical scenario is designed to test your diagnostic and management skills relevant to this subspecialty.

Question 441

Topic: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

During a TKA for a severe, fixed valgus knee deformity, a lateral soft tissue release is required. If the knee is found to be tight exclusively in flexion but balanced in extension, which lateral structure is the most appropriate initial target for release?

. Iliotibial band (ITB)
. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
. Popliteus tendon
. Posterolateral capsule

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Popliteus tendon

Explanation

The popliteus tendon is a primary restraint to flexion on the lateral side of the knee. Releasing the popliteus preferentially opens the lateral flexion gap, whereas releasing the ITB preferentially affects the lateral extension gap.

Question 442

Topic: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

A surgeon plans an intra-articular compensatory bone cut to correct a 12-degree extra-articular diaphyseal tibial varus deformity during a TKA. What is the primary risk associated with making an aggressively asymmetric intra-articular tibial resection to achieve a neutral mechanical axis?

. Creation of a patella alta
. Avulsion of the tibial tubercle
. Compromise of the medial collateral ligament tibial insertion
. Iatrogenic injury to the popliteal artery
. Excessive external rotation of the tibial component

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Compromise of the medial collateral ligament tibial insertion

Explanation

Compensating for a large extra-articular varus deformity intra-articularly requires removing a much larger wedge of lateral bone relative to the medial side. If the deformity is severe, making the required minimal medial cut risks completely detaching the superficial MCL insertion.

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